The Archbishop of Canterbury has spoken out against Uganda’s anticipated anti-gay bill for the first time.
The Anti-homosexuality Bill, proposed by Ndorwa West politician David Bahati, would make gay sex in Uganda punishable by death or life imprisonment. It has already been opposed by many government officials in the UK and US, and also by many human rights organisations.
In his interview with Saturday’s edition of the Daily Telegraph, 59-year-old Rowan Williams claimed: "Overall, the proposed legislation is of shocking severity and I can’t see how it could be supported by any Anglican who is committed to what the Communion has said in recent decades.
“Apart from invoking the death penalty, it makes pastoral care impossible – it seeks to turn pastors into informers,” he continued.
The influential leader’s comments follow his recent opposition against the election of openly lesbian Mary Glasspool as a Los Angeles bishop.
While the bill is currently being discussed in Ugandan government, recent reports have suggested that some of its more drastic elements may be removed if it is passed.
American senator for Wisconsin and same-sex marriage supporter Russ Feingold also spoke out against the bill over the weekend, claiming in an official statement: “Its passage would hurt the close working relationship between our two countries, especially in the fight against HIV/Aids.”